Paine is perhaps the unluckiest of the delisted players, with the Lions already thin at the defensive end following the retirements of Merrett and Clarke and the ACL injury to young fullback Sam Skinner that will see him miss most of 2017.

Beasley, also a key defender, played six games in his two seasons at the club, while midfielder Evans played seven, including two this season.

Evans, 20, was named the Lions' NEAFL player of the year at the club's best and fairest dinner on Saturday night.

"Of course it is disappointing when any player departs, and each of the guys have given great service to our club," football manager Matt Francis said.

One of the worst parts of AFL is losing great mates each year,a heap of great blokes leaving us this year. All the best in the future lads✌️